The Journal of Scottish Yarns is a bi-annual journal focussing on community, history, culture and creativity of textiles in Scotland.

The journal offers a colourful and insightful view of all things yarn related, making connections, and joining threads. Issue 5 features articles on the weaving of the Edinburgh Seven tapestry, Uist Wool, and the endangered craft status of Shetland lace knitting as well as a collection of specially commissioned knitting and crochet patterns. 

 

CONTENTS

 

 

WEAVING THE EDINBURGH SEVEN Dovecot Tapestry Studios work with Christine Borland to celebrate the first women to matriculate at a British university. (by Prof Carol M Richardson)

 

VARIEGATIONS ON A THEME Uist Wool has a passion for the natural colours of fleece.

 

FAIR ISLE ON FAIR ISLE Barkland Croft takes knitting traditions back to source. 

 

FLOCK TO SOCK Glenesk folk museum in Angus is rediscovering kilt hose. (by Julie Cave, Museum Officer)

 

A DELICATE FUTURE Shetland lace knitting is on the red list of endangered crafts. (by Elizabeth Williamson)

 

REVIVING TEXTILE TALENTS Creation Mill tackles isolation and supports textile skills in Dumfries and Galloway. 

 

CRAFTING MATHS Knot Unknot: The abstract art behind knitting and crochet. 

 

CHARTING AGE-OLD SEAS Photographs from The Wick Society inspire gansey designs. A tribute to Gordon Reid. (by Sara Wolf)

 

 

 

FAY DASHPER-HUGHES Kin Jumper: A striking two row repeat creates a versatile crocheted jumper made in Aister 'oo' Shetland wool.

 

REBECCA CLOW,  THE CREABEA Myrtle Waistcoat:  A statement vest for dressing up or down, made in Shilasdair Anam DK.

 

KELLY ORDEMANN, MADE BY KELLY O Pathfinder Top: A knitted tee made in wool for Scottish summers, made in Ginger Twist Studio Masham Mayhem 4-ply.

 

SYLVIA WATTS-CHERRY, CHERRIES ON TOP Isla Top: A lace pattern inspired by Scots pine trees creates this light summer top, made in Cookston Crafts Alpaca/Silk/Cashmere 4-ply.

 

SAMIRA HILL, EILDON HILLS DESIGNS Lammermuirs Crochet Top: A top-down crocheted summer top, made in Flora Fibres Tencel DK.

 

SOLVEIGH LASS-EVANS, IOLAIR YARN Common Blue Shawl: Colours and shapes of a butterfly motif inspire this kite shaped shawl, made in Iolair Yarn Luing or Woollenflower Twig 4-ply.

 

ALISON MAYNE, KNITROSPECTIVE Cluny Cowl and Wrap: Options for three cowls and a long stole show off handdyed colours, made in The Woolchemist 4-ply Merino Linen.

 

ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON KNITTING Da Slockit Light Shawl: Traditional Shetland Lace pattens and techniques with instructions for two sizes, made in Jamieson & Smith 2-ply Lace Weight.

 

MERRIAN HOLLAND, MEZZACRAFT Gothic Wrap: Textures and colours combine in this modular wrap, made in Choufunga 4-ply merino sock yarn and Float Your Goat mohair silk from My Mama Knits.

 

SUNSHINE STEWART,  AT BIRKHILL HOUSE Peg Loom Mat: Instructions for making a seat pad or small rug using an ancient weaving craft.